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Issued: July 4, 2019
New Book Release: J.R. Dymond
Scientific Research, Nature Reserves, and the Interpretive Program in Algonquin Provincial Park (1931-1954) by George Warecki
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The Friends of Algonquin Park, a non-profit Canadian registered charity for those passionate about Algonquin Park is pleased to announce the publishing of J.R. Dymond: Scientific Research, Nature Reserves, and the Interpretive Program in Algonquin Provincial Park (1931-1954) by George Warecki to celebrate the 75th anniversary of nature interpretation in Algonquin Park.
This 61-page softcover book is a biography of John Richardson ("J.R.") Dymond (1887-1965) who had an enormous impact on Algonquin Park.
J.R. Dymond devoted his life to studying the natural world and sharing that knowledge to advance nature protection. Since the early 1930s, he encouraged, initiated, and directed biological studies in Algonquin Park. Motivated by these scientific values, he successfully promoted the idea of nature reserves for ecological research including the founding of the Wildlife Research Station, Ontario Fisheries Research Laboratory (Harkness Laboratory of Fisheries Research), and Swan Lake Forest Research Station. His foresight and determination called for a more protective approach to park management that guided civil servants toward a new back-to-nature policy approach for Algonquin Park in 1954.
Perhaps more importantly, J.R. Dymond founded Algonquin Park's nature interpretation program in 1944. Dymond conducted the first organized nature walks and talks in Algonquin Park and fostered the creation of the first nature museum (a tent at Cache Lake), and later the building of the permanent Algonquin Park Museum (1953-1992). His legacy with the interpretive program in Algonquin Park led to the development of nature interpretation programs in Ontario's other provincial parks, such as Quetico and Rondeau starting in 1946.
J.R. Dymond's impacts on scientific research, nature reserves, and interpretive programming can't be underestimated. For example, Algonquin Park's nature interpretation program started in 1944 with J.R. Dymond as the sole staff member. Today, nature interpretation ("discovery") programs employ 300 staff in more than 70 provincial parks in Ontario.
Sample Pages
Selected pages from J.R. Dymond: Scientific Research, Nature Reserves, and the Interpretive Program in Algonquin Provincial Park (1931-1952) by George Warecki. Click to enlarge the sample pages below.
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About The Friends of Algonquin Park
The Friends of Algonquin Park is a Canadian registered charity and non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1983 for people passionate about Algonquin Park. It operates retail locations, recruits members, and fundraises to support the natural and cultural educational goals of Algonquin Park. In addition, The Friends of Algonquin Park is a book and map publisher and distributor with over 90 Algonquin Park titles in its collection.
Related Information
Reserve your developed or backcountry campsite for your next visit.
Share your passion for Algonquin Park by becoming a member or donor.
Special regulations for Algonquin's special fishery.